An effective cover letter allows applicants to spell out their special qualifications for a position. But, cover letters are becoming optional so use your best judgment as you apply for Human Resources Manager jobs.

Job search experts debate whether a cover letter is a necessary part of a job application. They argue that the resume and application are sufficient for an applicant to highlight their credentials. Also, many recruiters don't have time to read cover letters. Further, online applications may not allow you to post a cover letter or state that a cover letter is optional.

Before you write a cover letter, review the employer's specifications in the job posting carefully. For best results, research the company so that you have a basic familiarity with what the organization does and the customers it serves before you write your cover letter.

Before You Write an HR Manager Cover Letter

The cover letter provides the potential employer with a positive sense of who you are and what you value and could bring to his organization.

Address the cover letter to a specific person, either the hiring manager or the Human Resources staff person who was identified in the job posting. If not available, a quick call to the company allows you to identify the appropriate person.

Begin the letter by naming the specific position for which you are applying so the HR recruiter knows immediately for which position they are screening your cover letter and resume to fill. Also, make it easy for the prospective employer to contact you by providing your home phone and smartphone numbers and an email address.

The cover letter should highlight the two most important items that qualify you for the position in the first paragraph. Base the traits, skills, experience, and values that you pick to highlight on the employer's job posting. The employer does not have to connect the dots between the position advertised and your qualifications. The recruiter may never get past the first paragraph either as recruiting has become so time-consuming.

Refers to several points of experience on the enclosed resume in your cover letter that qualify you for the employer's open position. If requested in the advertisement, provide your salary requirements. (Yes, it may not seem fair, but withholding this information can make your application invalid.)

End the cover letter with a quick summary of your qualifications and the value you can bring to the HR manager job.

Your job posting for a Human Resources manager caught my attention because my HR management experience has been in a similar industry, so I am familiar with the challenges. In addition to leading the HR department, I am a strategic business partner in my current position and serve on the executive team.

My twelve years in HR as an assistant, then generalist, and now manager, have allowed me to grow and develop professionally and as a leader.

You are seeking an individual with a strong passion to innovate and drive for solutions. Since I started the HR department from scratch in my current organization and have led to the adoption of all people processes, systems, policies, and procedures, I qualify. Personal accountability for results and my integrity are respected and unquestioned.

Your posting emphasizes an eagerness to learn and continually improve. I am active in the Society for Human Resources Management and regularly attend professional conferences. Even more importantly, I have fostered a learning organization in my current company.

I am most anxious to join an organization where HR is respected and where I can continue to provide input to the strategic business issues while implementing forward-thinking HR and talent management strategies. Your advertised position appears to fit my experience, accomplishments, and education. I have my PHR currently and plan to pursue my SPHR next as you requested.

I will be in your city regularly over the next few weeks and would like the chance to interview with your team and get to know you. From everything that I can see as an applicant, we are potentially a solid team.

Regards,

Catherine Mervin

If you are emailing or mailing your application, use business letter style to format the cover letter. In an online application, you will paste this letter into any available space.